“The installation of the 32 MHI Vestas 8MW turbines has progressed seamlessly. Again, A2SEA is first mover, this time by handling the currently largest offshore wind turbine in the market. The installation was completed safely, and in accordance with the installation plan thanks to the well-planned and professional co-operation with our partners on the project, MHI Vestas and DONG Energy. Furthermore, I am very proud of the excellent work performed by all our dedicated em-ployees both onshore and offshore. They make the difference,” says Jens Frederik Hansen, CEO at A2SEA.

A2SEA's offshore support vessel Sea Installer - Image courtesy: A2SEA

Claus Bøjle Møller, Project Director at DONG Energy, said: “We are delighted at the completion of this major milestone in the project. It follows on from first power generation in November. This is the first time the 8MW turbines have been installed offshore, so it is an exciting time for the entire industry. By using more powerful turbines we are able to bring down the cost of providing clean, renewable energy to homes around the UK.”

COO of MHI Vestas, Flemming Ougaard, acknowledged the importance of the first complete installation of a project; “The installation of the first V164-8.0 MW offshore project, represents a major milestone in the history of MHI Vestas, as well as our business partners.” said Flemming Ougaard. “I am proud of the commitment and excellent work of the entire installation team at MHI Vestas and the team from A2Sea and DONG Energy who worked with us on this project. Now our focus turns to the commissioning of the turbines and bringing them into full operation, prior to handing the project over to DONG Energy.”

SEA INSTALLER’s next project is turbine installation on the 580MW Race Bank in the UK for DONG Energy. Installation is planned to start in Early May 2017.

Burbo Bank Extension is owned by DONG Energy (50%) and its partners PKA (25%) and KIRKBI A/S (25%).The wind farm has a total capacity of 258MW and is situated 7 km off the coast of Liverpool Bay. The wind farm is expected to be fully commissioned in Q1 2017 and will provide green energy for well over 230,000 homes in the UK.